Saturday, September 10, 2011

Looking forward


I've always been one who loved to move on to the next step in life. I guess it all started when my mom put me in school early. Most of my friends have been older than me, I moved to college when I was 17, and I got married at 21. The 'next step in life' has always excited me. However, the past few weeks I've found myself looking back. Often, I have slipped into self pity on days that I'm tired of being self-disciplined. I think back to when I had a steady income, money in the bank, a normal routine, etc... It's not like me to look back. So I've decided to focus on the things I'm looking forward to...

Ethiopia - I leave in one month! I can't believe it's so close! It feels so surreal. I've been dreaming of Africa since I was 15 and now I'm finally going. I've been praying that God will use me "to make a difference for [Him] that is completely disproportionate to who I am" (David Brainerd) and that we may reach the lost and hurting for Christ. I have much to pray for. It began to sink in when I wrote the check for the last payment last week. I was able to raise over $1000 just from selling headbands! Thank you to all who helped me! I am so blown away by your generosity.

Going home - I get to go home at the end of this month! One of my friends from highschool is getting married, so I'm taking the opportunity to spend a few days with my family, taking pictures and having fun. (They are always willing subjects for photo shoots!) It is always such a blessing to be with my family. I want to take advantage of these moments before my little siblings are all grown.

My birthday - I love birthdays and I love that mine is in October. It's obviously the best month of the year! Jonathan somehow forgot to take time off before the holiday season, so he has to use it in October! He's planning on taking some time off before my trip. Maybe we'll get to do something fun. :)

So that is what I'm looking forward to these days. Finding things to be excited about is perfect for chasing away the pity party blues!

What are you all looking forward to?

14 comments:

Natalie @ NS Pottery said...

I'm looking forward to my first trunk show that I'm planning and just seeing what God has in store for me the rest of this year!

Sounds like some exciting times ahead for you! Keeping you in my prayers, love!

Kristine@thefoleyfam said...

You are stunning! Love the pictures as usual. I feel like I've been following your journey for sometime, and it's crazy to think your Ethiopia trip is almost here!! So excited for you! Enjoy all your fun adventures coming up :) We are looking forward to a family St Thomas trip vacay next month :)

Anonymous said...

Great things to look froward to Jennifer!

I look forward to seeing my guy soon :)

and finishing this semester smoothly.

Anonymous said...

Some fun stuff ahead, it seems! Going to another country- preferably France, Australia, or Italy- is a dream of mine. :)
And the pictures are great! The bokeh in the second one is really awesome!
Want to say thanks for the follow!!

Meredith Sledge said...

AHHH! I love that first picture of you. You should seriously try out for America's Next Top Model. I don't know how tall you are but honestly, you are gorgeous!!

Autumn @ Autumn All Along said...

I am looking forward to finishing my graduate degree and getting into the routine of my first year of teaching.

Charissa Steyn said...

looking forward to going to Europe in 3 days!! We will go for 2 months...we believe God is calling us back to do long term missions there!

also looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in some family and friends' lives!

blessing girl- you are gonna love Africa!!

Emma Frances said...

I'm looking forward to graduating in May...is that too far away to look forward to it??

I'm also looking forward to holidays with family.

And I look forward to every weekend! :]

I can't wait to hear about your time in Ethiopia!

Unknown said...

I have an October birthday too! I love October because Fall is starting and I love all of the decorations! So I look forward to that too. I guess these days I look more forward to working on my blog and seeing my husband when I can. {Crazy schedules}

Check out the giveaway from my shop! It ends tomorrow :)

Reese and Leigh said...

I absolutely want that second picture framed in my house :) beautiful!

Chelsea said...

Awesome you're going to Ethiopia! I'll definitely be praying for you!

Jenni Austria Germany said...

that's amazing that you sold so much from headbands! congrats.

mary said...

Look at that Blair Stare! beautious. I'm happy for all your happy happenings that are happening! I love looking forward to events, it makes the smile last a little longer ;) PSSST~ when are you gonna tell us about your lipstick color? hmm? xox!

Emily grapes said...

How exciting! One month away!! Love that you're focusing on what's coming vs what you once had. Smart girl.

Something I need to refocus on, though its hard to think of what to look forward to, sometimes.

Emily w/Amazing Grapes

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